Matthews NC Divorce Lawyer for Contentious Cases

In a perfect world, every divorce would be peaceful. Papers would be signed, assets divided fairly, and both parties would move forward without conflict. But for many people, that’s simply not reality—and that’s okay.

A contentious divorce is one where significant disputes arise between spouses—whether over money, child custody, property division, or ongoing support. These disagreements may stem from emotional betrayal, power imbalances, communication breakdowns, or even past abuse. In some cases, one party refuses to cooperate altogether, dragging the process out and increasing the stress and cost involved.

If you’re facing a high-conflict divorce, you may feel overwhelmed, unsure who to trust, and emotionally drained. Maybe the other party is making threats, hiding assets, or trying to manipulate custody. Maybe they refuse to negotiate. You’re not just navigating a legal process—you’re dealing with someone who’s determined to make things harder than they need to be.

At The Goodman Law Firm, we know that not all divorces can (or should) be resolved amicably. Attorney Kara K. Goodman is a Matthews-based family law attorney who fights for clients caught in contentious, complex, or high-stakes divorces. With a calm but commanding presence, she helps clients navigate the storm without getting swept up in it.

Whether you’re facing disputes over child custody, alimony, property division, or just trying to protect yourself from intimidation, Kara is here to protect your rights and give you the clarity and confidence you deserve.

You don’t have to face this battle alone—and you don’t have to back down to keep the peace. With strategic advocacy and a steady legal hand, you can come through a difficult divorce with your dignity, your rights, and your future intact.

What Makes a Divorce Contentious?

Disagreements Over Child Custody or Visitation

Nothing raises the emotional stakes in a divorce like parenting disagreements. Contentious custody battles often include disputes over parenting time, legal decision-making authority, or relocation. In some cases, one parent may attempt to use the children as leverage or make false accusations to gain control. The court’s focus is always the best interests of the child—but you need strong legal representation to make sure your voice is heard.

Conflict Around Equitable Distribution of Marital Assets

In North Carolina, marital property is divided equitably—not necessarily equally. But when there’s disagreement over what’s “fair,” things can spiral quickly. Contentious divorces often involve disputes over hidden assets, business ownership, retirement accounts, or real estate, especially if one spouse handled the finances during the marriage.

Disputes Over Spousal Support or Alimony

When one spouse believes they’re entitled to ongoing financial support—or conversely, that they’re being asked to pay unfairly—it can trigger a fight that’s both emotional and financial. Arguments over the amount, duration, or even the necessity of alimony can quickly turn a divorce adversarial.

Marital Misconduct or Infidelity Claims

While North Carolina is a “no-fault” divorce state, marital misconduct—such as infidelity, abandonment, or substance abuse—can still impact issues like alimony. Accusations or evidence of misconduct can raise the temperature in an already tense situation and make cooperation nearly impossible.

Emotional Manipulation and High-Conflict Personalities

Sometimes, the root of a contentious divorce lies in the personality dynamics. Narcissism, gaslighting, stonewalling, and control tactics can make every negotiation feel like a battle. If you’re divorcing someone who thrives on conflict or refuses to engage in good faith, you need a lawyer who knows how to set boundaries and stay focused on the facts.

Child Custody & Parenting Disputes in Contentious Divorce

Putting Children First—Without Sacrificing Your Rights

In North Carolina, the court’s top priority in any custody case is the best interest of the child. But what’s best for the child isn’t always obvious—especially when one parent is manipulating the situation or using the children as leverage.

The Goodman Law helps clients advocate for parenting plans that are fair, developmentally appropriate, and grounded in reality. She’ll work with you to prioritize your child’s emotional wellbeing—while ensuring you are not pushed aside in the process.

Responding to False Accusations or Parental Manipulation

In contentious divorces, it’s not uncommon for one parent to accuse the other of abuse, neglect, or unfitness in an attempt to gain full custody or control the narrative. Whether these allegations are exaggerated or entirely fabricated, they can damage your credibility and strain your relationship with your child—unless they’re addressed quickly and effectively.

Kara is highly skilled in defending clients against unfounded claims and ensuring that the court hears both sides of the story, backed by documentation, evidence, and a strategic legal response.

Emergency Custody & Temporary Orders

If there is an immediate threat to your child’s safety or wellbeing—such as abuse, substance use, or parental abduction—you may be eligible to file for emergency custody in North Carolina. The court can issue temporary orders to stabilize the situation while a full hearing is scheduled.

Even outside of emergencies, temporary custody orders often shape how parenting time is handled during the divorce process. Kara will help you pursue the right protective measures from day one so that your child’s routine—and your role in it—remains as steady as possible.

Guardian ad Litem & Custody Evaluations

In high-conflict cases, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem (GAL)—a neutral third party tasked with investigating the family dynamics and making recommendations to the judge. Custody evaluations may also be ordered, involving psychological assessments, home visits, and interviews with both parents and children.

We have extensive experience working with GALs and mental health professionals to build strong custody cases that reflect the full picture. We’ll help you prepare for these evaluations, gather supporting evidence, and remain focused on what matters most—your child’s safety, stability, and connection with both parents.

High-Conflict Property Division in North Carolina

Complex Equitable Distribution Issues

North Carolina follows the principle of equitable distribution, which means the court aims to divide marital assets and debts fairly—but not necessarily equally. This becomes complicated when the marital estate includes:

• Business interests or professional practices
• Multiple real estate properties or vacation homes
• Investment portfolios or stock options
• Pensions and retirement accounts (401(k), IRAs, etc.)
• Deferred compensation or bonuses

In contentious divorces, these assets are often contested not only for their value but for who contributed to them and how they should be split.

Tracing Hidden or Mismanaged Marital Assets

If you suspect that your spouse is hiding money, undervaluing property, or moving assets around to avoid division, you’re not alone. In high-conflict cases, it's common for one party to conceal or mismanage marital assets, especially when they’ve had exclusive control over the finances during the marriage.

We have the experience and resources to uncover and trace hidden funds, flag suspicious financial activity, and ensure all assets are accounted for before division. You deserve full transparency—and a lawyer who knows where to look.

Valuation Disputes: Property, Income, and Debt

Another major source of conflict in property division is disagreement over how much an asset is worth, especially when it comes to:

• Real estate
• Privately owned businesses
• Personal property or valuables
• Debt responsibility or tax liabilities

When spouses can’t agree, the court often relies on professional valuations to make an informed decision. Kara helps you challenge unrealistic valuations and make sure that you’re not left shouldering more than your fair share.

Working With Experts to Strengthen Your Case

In cases involving complex or high-value assets, working with the right financial experts is key. The Goodman Law Firm partners with:

• Certified appraisers for real estate and personal property
• Financial analysts and forensic accountants to evaluate business interests or uncover fraud
• Tax professionals to minimize liability and plan for division of retirement funds

These experts provide credible, court-admissible analysis that helps build a solid case and protects your financial future—whether through settlement or litigation.

You Don’t Have to Fight Alone

A contentious divorce can make you feel isolated, overwhelmed, and outmatched—but you are not powerless.

When emotions are high and your future is on the line, the right legal support can make all the difference. With a steady advocate by your side, you can protect your children, secure your finances, and move forward with clarity and control. You deserve an attorney who doesn’t just understand the law—but understands what it’s like to face someone who refuses to fight fair.

The Goodman Law Firm is known for our fierce yet fair representation in high-conflict divorce cases across Matthews, NC and the surrounding area. We give clients the tools they need to stand tall, speak up, and move on with confidence.

Whether you’re facing a manipulative spouse, complex custody disputes, or financial gamesmanship, we are here to help you navigate the process with integrity—and fight for what truly matters.

Contact The Goodman Law Firm, PLLC Today

📍 10020 Monroe Road, Suite 170-288, Matthews, NC 28105
📞 (704) 502-6773 🕘 Monday – Friday | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
📧 kg@goodmanlawnc.com
🌐 www.goodmanlawnc.com

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